Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés. (HNVNA0002)

Commitment ID

HNVNA0002

Commitment Title

Development of an integrated and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés.

Problem

In Villanueva, Cortés, respiratory, dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases are a significant problem, due to limited solid waste management. Although there is a collection service, its capacity is insufficient, which increases contamination and favors the proliferation of infections. The lack of clear information about routes, schedules and collection points, along with ineffective communication channels, makes it difficult for citizens to report problems or suggest improvements. This limits citizen participation and reduces trust in municipal management, generating a disconnection between the authorities and the population.

The commitment to develop a comprehensive and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva seeks to address these critical problems, such as clandestine dumps, the lack of recycling culture and inadequate waste disposal, also children working on solid waste collection trucks. Through inclusive strategies, this commitment aims to solve immediate problems, promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life of the municipality's inhabitants.

Status quo

Aguas del Valle, a decentralized unit of the Municipality of Villanueva, supervises the collection of solid waste through contractors with seven collection trucks and them employ children to work,  that transport the waste to an open landfill with basic berm treatment and without classification. Villanueva generates 150 tons of waste daily, and a study estimated $8 million to develop a 20-acre landfill with sorting and treatment infrastructure.

Since 2012, the Guardians of the Environment Program, led by Municipal Environmental Directorate of Villanueva (DIMAVI), promotes environmental protection among 970 children and young people from 14 public schools, indirectly benefiting 4,000 people. The program promotes ecological awareness, proper waste management, and respect for nature through activities such as reforestation and cleanup campaigns. By 2025, it seeks to strengthen sustainable waste management, with emphasis on classification from homes. In a participatory initiative, the Transparency Commission, the Federation of Community Boards and the Women's Network evaluate the collection service. Surveys of 82 users highlighted problems such as inconsistencies in communication, low citizen representation and limited truck capacity. Recommendations include public meetings to inform the community, improve communication, review rates every two years, sort waste at the source and learn from municipalities with recycling success.

Action

Commitment: Develop a comprehensive and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste in Villanueva, Cortés.

Brief description: This commitment aims to implement an efficient and sustainable model for solid waste management, with a participatory approach that integrates citizens at each stage of the process. This includes environmental education, the promotion of sustainable practices such as recycling, and strengthening the collection and final disposal chain.

Likewise, it seeks to eliminate clandestine dumps through coordinated strategies, promote citizen co-responsibility and establish effective communications mechanisms.

Through strategic alliances and the strengthening of municipal management, the aim is to reduce environmental and health impacts, elimination of child labor, promoting a community that is more aware, informed and committed to the sustainable management of its environment.

Finally, through the different digital tools that the municipality of Villanueva, Cortés will develop, it is planned to provide clear, timely and updated information on the implementation of the comprehensive and participatory system for the sustainable management of solid waste that will be implemented.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The commitment will contribute to solving the problem by:

Improve access to information: Mechanisms will be implemented so that citizens know the routes, schedules and collection points, allowing greater confidence in municipal management.

Promoting citizen participation: An inter-municipal commission will be installed that has the participation of key local sectors, thus allowing the population to be actively involved in the strategy that will be implemented for the sustainable management of solid waste. Likewise, participation will be promoted and effective community co-responsibility through awareness days on environmental matters and waste collection, strengthening the link between local authorities and citizens.

Reduce environmental pollution and disease sources: The elimination of clandestine dumps and the improvement in the final disposal of waste will reduce the negative impacts on health and the environment.

Promoting sustainability: Recycling and reuse strategies will strengthen the solid waste management chain, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting sustainable practices.

Promoting strategic alliances: Collaborations with collection centers and environmental organizations will reinforce the infrastructure necessary for efficient waste management and expand recycling opportunities.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment is primarily aligned with the following OGP objective: "Make Open Government Fundamental to the Operation and Priorities of Governments at all Levels and Powers."

Citizen Participation and Transparency: By improving solid waste management with the active participation of citizens, a local governance model is promoted where transparency and accountability are fundamental, aligning with OGP's objective of integrating government values . . . open in public policies at all levels.
Local Public Management: The implementation of citizen participation measures, such as the publication of information on collection routes and schedules, and the promotion of recycling, reinforce the objective of making open government a priority for the local government of Villanueva. Citizens are directly involved in decision-making and monitoring services, strengthening the effectiveness of public management.
Sustainability and Civic Responsibility: By working to eradicate clandestine dumps and sort waste with the community, shared responsibility is encouraged, which contributes to OGP's objective of strengthening civic space, since community actions are key to the success of waste management reform.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Digital Governance

Primary Sector

Environment & Climate, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?